Diablo 3 Launch Preparation Guide

Blizzard recently updated their Diablo 3 community site with some important steps to ensure you’re prepared for May 15th – when evil is unleashed.

Here’s a short pre-launch checklist, along with a few other things to note…

Diablo 3 Launch Guide

Buy Diablo 3

You’re obviously going to need to buy the game if you want to play it, so get it ordered if you haven’t done so yet. There’s also some sweet gear you may want to get your hands on before May 15th – including that awesome Diablo 3 mouse from Steel Series.

Create Your BattleTag™

If you haven’t sone so already, you need to create your BattleTag™. A BattleTag™ will be required for playing Diablo 3, so it’s advisable you create one now before the game goes live. The Diablo 3 servers will be ender very heavy strain during the game’s initial release, so you’re much better off handling this now while the game servers are relatively calm.

Pick a Name You Like for Your BattleTag™

A BattleTag™ nickname is not unique, so go with whatever you like. Your BattleTag™ will display in-game and on the website, so pick something awesome – and remember – it doesn’t have to be unique.

Diablo 3 Launch Time

The official launch of Diablo 3 will vary between the different regions – with the Americas (U.S., Canada, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia) going live at 12:01 AM PDT on May 15th.

Download the Digital Presale Early

If you’ve already purchased a digital copy from Blizzard, then it’ a good idea to start downloading the game client right now. If you should encounter any issues with the game client – downloading it early will give you a bit of room in terms of troubleshooting. The servers will be under severe strain on the 14th and 15th – when a lot of the procrastinators will be downloading the game client – so get on it during the calm before the storm.

Install Diablo 3 Early

The installer will be ready to go at 8:01 AM PDT on May 14th. At this time you’ll be able to start installing the game, as well as download and install the launch day 1.0.1 patch.

Global Play Launch Time

Global Play will be available once the game has gone live in all regions. Once Global Play has been enabled, players will be available to access other regions via the game’s Options menu. Keep in mind that when logging in to play in a different region, your friend’s list will not transfer over, nor will you be able to use that region’s RMAH.

Possible Login Delays on Launch Day

Blizz is warning that they may be implementing a metered login during the initial release – with login delays expected to be up to 40 seconds. Login errors may also occur, but Blizzard suggests that repeated login attempts will generally solve that.